Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh

Aim: The objective of this study was to know the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: Approximately, 10 g of feces was collected from recently voided feces in airtight fecal collection vials (HiMedia, India). Fecal samples were subjected to the direct method and centrifuge flotation method for finding out parasitic ova. The ova were identified on the basis of morphological characters described by Soulsby, 1982. Result: A total of 78 fecal samples were collected. Of 78, 44 (56.41%) samples were found positive. Most of the positive fecal sample showed mixed infection of different helminths parasites egg. Fasciola spp. and Amphistome spp. were the two predominant parasites among the flukes. In nematodes infection, Toxocara vitulorum was the least prevalent GI nematodes. In the case of cestodes Moniezia expansa was little higher (14%) in semi-intensive. Conclusion: The present study reveals that Mithun is infected by several GI parasites. Among trematodes, Fasciola, and Amphistomes are predominantly spp. whereas, Strongyle and Trichuris are more prevalent spp. among nematodes and Moniezia among cestodes parasites.


Introduction
Bos frontalis also known as Mithun, a "Cattle of Hilly Region" [1] is a unique exotic ruminant found in the hill region of northeast India, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, and Malaysia [2].In India, semi-domesticated B. frontalis are kept by several ethnic groups living in the hills of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.They also occur in the Chittagong hill tracts [3].In northern Myanmar, they occur in the Kachin State, and in the adjacent Yunnan province are found only in the Dulong and Nujiang River basins [4].In India, there are four distinct strains of Mithun, i.e., Arunachal strain, Manipur strain, Mizoram strain, and Nagaland strain.This prized hill animal of the North-Eastern Hill Region has an important role in the economic, social, cultural, and religious life of the local tribal population who inhabit the area [5].This animal is basically raised as ceremonial animal and used to be sacrifice for meat during festival and social ceremonies by tribal people.Tribal people also use for bridal gift and in barter trade.The animal is reared by the tribal only in the hilly regions mainly for meat purposes and is considered as a sign of prosperity and superiority of an individual in the tribal society of the state.The animals are sacrificed in the marriage ceremonies, religious function or a big feast.
The currency value of Mithun varies from one region to other; it is spoken as currency due to their being present in the value system and being used in exchange of land.Mithun is also employing in payment for ransom, tribute, fine or bride price.Like other animals, mithuns also suffers from bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases [2,[6][7][8][9][10].Twelve nematode genera, viz.Trichuris, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Ascaris, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, Mecistocirrus; Cooperia ostertagia, Thelazia and Dictyocaulus, four trematodes, viz.Fasciola, Gastrodiscoides, Gastrothylax and Paramphistomum; and two cestodes, Moniezia and Taenia spp.were reported in Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan [11].Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in Mithuns have been reported to cause mortality and morbidity [12].
The main aim of the study was to highlight the different helminth parasites harboured by Mithun in north eastern region of country.

Ethical approval
Not necessary.

Study area
Arunachal Pradesh (Figure -1) is located between 26.28°N and 29.30°N latitude and 91.20°E and 97.30°E longitude and has 83,743 km 2 area.The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with elevation.
Areas that are at a very high elevation in the upper Himalaya close to the Tibetan border have an alpine or tundra climate.Below the upper Himalayas are the middle Himalayas, where people experience a temperate climate.Areas at the sub-Himalayan and sealevel elevation generally experience humid, sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.Arunachal Pradesh receives heavy rainfall of 2,000-4,100 mm (79-161 in) annually, most of it between May and September.

Collection of fecal sample
Randomly, 78 fecal samples were collected, of which 38 from free-ranging Mithun and 40 from semi-intensive Mithun.All animals were sexually mature and seem to be healthy as per owner history or herd handlers.Approximately, 10 g of feces was collected from recently voided feces in airtight fecal collection vials (HiMedia, India) individually.Then individual fecal samples were brought to the laboratory for examination.The samples were examined by centrifugation and floatation method as described by Soulsby [13].The endoparasites, ova or oocyst, were identified based on morphological characters described by Soulsby [13].

Statistical analysis
Raw data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.The prevalence was calculated for all data as the number of infected individuals divided by the number of individuals examined and multiplied by 100 to express in percentage.Chi-square was used to assess the association of risk factors on the prevalence of parasites.

Discussion
In our study, the overall prevalence of different helminth parasites is 56.41%.Rajkhowa et al., [8] reported simi lar prevalence rate 55.60% in Arunachal Pradesh but prevalence rate was higher in Nagaland were found to be 100% infected followed Mizoram (66.70%), and Manipur (60.00%).In the present study, most reported helminth parasite of Mithun are Strongyles spp., Amphistomes spp., Fasciola spp., M. expansa, and M. benedeni.Chamuah et al., [9] and Tandon et al., [11] also reported these parasites are common in Mithun.In our study, Strongyles are predominant spp.Rajkhowa et al., [8] also reported similar findings with the prevalence rate of 54.05%.In our study, there is slightly less prevalence rate of Strongyle, Amphistomes, Fasciola, and T. vitulorum in semi-intensive condition with comparison of free-ranging condition.Laha et al., [14] also reported that prevalence rate is relatively low of Strongyle and other parasitic infection in organized farm.

Conclusion
The present study reveals that Mithun is infected by several GI parasites.Among trematodes, Fasciola, and Amphistomes are predominantly spp.whereas, Strongyle and Trichuris are more prevalent spp.among nematodes and Moniezia among cestodes parasites.